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Published: November 7th 2017
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I write this missive standing at the counter at the Bangkok Airport aka, Don Mueang Regional Airport on our way to Chang Mai, a port of call north of Bangkok. Let me begin catching up from last night before I start on today.
As you may recall we, that is Rick, Richard and myself, planned on dinner and a cruise on the river on the White Orchard. I took little nap before the cruise so I would be well rested for the evening. At the appointed hour, 7:50PM, the trio met at the cruise desk and were escorted the short walk outside the hotel to the boarding pier. There we met about 250 fellow cruise dinners, all pushing and shoving as is the norm when people come together to have fun. It looks like Asians have no more respect for lines than Americans. As the throng moved forward, I let them by, since we were all going to the same place it really did not matter who boarded first.
We got on board and were really impressed with the vessel that would carry us for the next two hours up river and back to our
hotel. The White Orchard, was a well appointed river vessel, three decks in size and about 70 feet long. It was well lit, spotless and fresh smelling. there were tables in four rows, each with white orchids and a rose colored drink that turned out to be fruit juice. No free booze here!
We were shown to our table, middle deck near the front of the boat and right next to the stage where a lovely Thai woman was singing to the one man electronic band. She was part of our evening entertainment.
The vessel pulled out precisely at 8:00 PM and we were imeatiatly told the food and bar were now open. Now the interesting part was the three decks were each outfitted with their own bar and buffet dinner spread. The food was well laid out and consisted of four long two sided tables located at the back of the boat.
There was Thai food, fresh fish of various types, Italian offerings, a variety of salads and soups, multiple bread choices and at least 4 different kinds of meat. I chose some Pasta, Pad Thai, garden salad, spare ribs
and a bit of sliced beef in a light brown sauce. I only took a very little of each offering as I was trying not to regain the 10 pounds I lost before the trip.
We headed back to our table, our arms filled with delicious options and prepared to enjoy our meal as our entertainment began. First our singer crooned through several English numbers, followed by a few Thai favorites and ended with one more English number. After the singer came an interesting dance troupe who performed several Thai traditional dances. Next came what appeared to be a transvestite, which lipsynced a few numbers while dancing and flourishing around the center of the boat. Interesting to say the least.
I ate my meal and headed out on deck to be rewarded by an amazing view of the darkened River lit by a full moon playing peak a boo with the moderate cloud cover. As we floated up river, we passed the temple we visited earlier in the day and was delighted to see it all lit up. I was even able to catch a few shots of the temple with the full moon
in the background.
The evening was comfortabley warm and I was treated to a pleasant breeze all evening as I chose to stay on deck until we were almost back to the port. I came back inside only to find Dick Schroeder, singing and dancing with our entertainer and crooning to karaoke blasting out Sweet Caroline. Dick you cad, I never thought you were such a crooner. The lady convinced Dick to start a conga line and they continued dancing around the boat picking up more and more "cars" to their train. Everyone was obviously having a great time.
As all good things must end, we soon returned to Port and disembarked for the short walk home to the Sheraton and much needed rest. All in all a fun time and a great way to see Bangkok by night.
PHOTOS
1 Dinner on the cruise
2 Temple at Night
3 Government Building at night
4 Richard belting out a tune
5 our Sheraton Bangkok Hotel
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